Martvili Canyon

The Abasha river has cut a narrow gorge through limestone near Martvili, and the water in it is an improbable milky blue-green, running between walls hung with ferns and moss and dropping over small falls into deep pools. A walkway and steps run along and above the water, and the popular thing to do is take a short inflatable boat ride through the narrowest section, where the walls close overhead and the guide pushes off the rock. It was once the private bathing place of the Dadiani princes, and the pools they used are pointed out. Dinosaur footprints have been found on a rock ledge nearby. It is small, well organised and busy, and it pairs naturally with the deeper and wilder Okatse canyon, which is crossed on a long metal walkway pinned to a cliff.

What you actually see

• The gorge walkway - the path and steps above the blue-green water.
• The boat ride - the short inflatable trip through the narrowest section.
• The Dadiani bathing pools - the princely swimming spots in the gorge.
• Okatse canyon - the neighbouring deeper gorge with its cliff walkway.

When to go

April to October is the season, with the water at its most vivid in spring and early summer; heavy rain turns the river brown and can suspend the boats. Weekends and August are very busy, with queues for the boats. Mornings are quieter.

Honest expectations

It is small and heavily managed, and in peak season the boat queue can be longer than the ride, which lasts a few minutes. Water colour depends on recent rain and disappoints after storms. Life jackets are provided and the boats get you wet. It works best combined with Okatse rather than as a destination on its own.

Nearby

Okatse canyon and Kinchkha waterfall are nearby; Kutaisi is an hour southeast.